The purpose of the Book of Faith initiative is to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world while encouraging all congregations—from children to adults—to dig deeper into our book of faith, the Bible.
Book of Faith embraces a common vision in which all are invited to open Scripture and join the conversation. Congregations are encouraged to decide how the Book of Faith initiative can become a vital part of their own ministry. For more on the initiative, visit the
ELCA’s Book of Faith website.
Book of Faith resources from Augsburg Fortress include three types of Bible studies, devotionals for the Advent and Lenten seasons, and resources for foundational support.
Books of Faith
The Books of Faith series explores individual books of the Bible through historical, literary, devotional, and Lutheran-theological perspectives.
Together in Faith
Together in Faith studies are excellent for congregations that follow the Revised Common Lectionary, or for groups that prefer thematic studies.
People of Faith
Explore the faith journeys of some key people in the Bible and make connections between their stories and yours. Each four-session study introduces your group to four Bible characters. These studies are great for those new to Bible study, or those looking for a fresh new introduction to the Bible.
Seasonal Resources
Book of Faith devotionals for the Advent and Lenten seasons offer opportunities to open Scripture and engage in conversations about the Bible with friends, family, or a small group.
Foundational Resources
Foundational resources are practical tools to engage your congregation in renewing its mission and ministry, grounded deeply in God's word. Includes tools that focus on developing basic Bible study skills among participants and leaders.
Books of Faith explores individual books of the Bible through historical, literary, devotional, and Lutheran perspectives. Each Books of Faith study provides a Leader Guide and Learner Guide. The following Books of Faith studies are available:
Old Testament
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Genesis traces our origins from cosmic beginnings through stories preserved from pre-history. Each story provides us with a glimpse of what God intends, how God acts, and who we are in relationship to God and the rest of creation. In this eight-session study, participants explore early stories of faith and God’s promise in Genesis. |
The narrative of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel is full of powerful images, engaging characters, and fascinating stories. This eight-session study provides a high-level overview of these books, creating a foundation for further individual and group exploration. |
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In Exodus, we learn that God prepares, calls, leads, and forgives a chosen people—then and now. In this six-session study, participants consider the stories from Exodus that are central to the Old Testament, and explore how the themes of these stories continue to be central to our lives today. |
We encounter many voices in the pages of these books: the prophet Jeremiah, sundry kings, Jeremiah’s enemies, and a people at first defiant and later in excruciating torment. Through these books of faith, this eight-session study looks at how God is revealed to us today as one who will not rest until we are at last a people whose hearts and minds are molded to the image and likeness of Jesus. |
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Numbers is a complex book; the action in it picks up where the action of Exodus leaves off. The texts chosen for this four-session study explore the stories of the Israelites as they wander, complain, and battle their way through the wilderness. |
Explore the stories of Daniel and his friends in this rich and inviting study. The six-session course provides an opportunity to ponder our calling as faithful disciples in troubling times. Each session begins and ends with a devotional component, inviting participants to reflect on what they hear in the text and what it means for our call to discipleship.
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The incredibly rich story told in Ruth captures the fears, challenges, and hopes of those who find themselves pulled away from home and of those who are there when they return. In this book we are invited into the deep emotions and conversations of the three central characters of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, while exploring the themes of loss, loyalty, risk, and hope. This four-session course explores the entire book of Ruth. |
This four-session study explores God’s desire to save all people. God pushes Jonah to go beyond religious and ethnic boundaries in sharing God’s love and mercy. |
New Testament
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The Gospel of Mark is not just good news about Jesus; it reveals, sometimes in surprising and scandalous ways, how Jesus is God’s good news to us. This eight-session study challenges participants to explore eight key texts in Mark. |
Ephesians is an invitation to know the all-surpassing love of Christ, to be made new in Christ, and to live the peace of Jesus in community—God’s plan for all creation. |
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From the joyous accounts of Jesus’ birth in a manger in Bethlehem to the stark images of Golgotha to the eye-opening meal at Emmaus, the Gospel of Luke invites us into the remarkable story of Jesus and his mission as God’s Chosen One (Messiah). This eight-session study explores key stories and events in Luke. |
Philippians is a letter from Paul to the community of faith in Philippi, a community that had supported his ministry. Paul writes to reassure the Philippians that his ministry and rejoicing in Christ continue although he has been thrown in prison. This four-session study uses four paradoxes as lenses to look at Paul’s letter. |
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The Gospel of John is unlike the other Gospels in many ways. In this eight-session study, participants explore how the Gospel of John shows Jesus and his relationship to God, as well as how we can be in relationship with God and follow Jesus as his disciples in the world. |
Hebrews is one of the more sophisticated New Testament writings, with the author connecting the Old Testament passages to the present concerns of the community of faith. This six-session study explores who Jesus is (divine and human) and what Jesus did, as well as faith, Christian life, and relying on God’s faithfulness. |
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The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in Acts, pouring out on people from many nations on the day of Pentecost, giving Jesus’ disciples the power to speak boldly, gathering early believers together for worship, and sending out Peter and Paul as missionaries. In this eight-session study, participants examine the beginnings of the church and find meaningful connections between the early church, and the church and our mission today. |
The Letter of James describes the power of God that enables God’s people to live and grow in responsible maturity. This four-session study engages participants in discussion about wisdom and Christian growth, maturity, and hope in a rich, vibrant format. |
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Reading and studying Paul’s letter to the Romans led to a major turning point in Martin Luther’s life. In this six-session study, participants engage in a vibrant discussion around key texts in Romans that address justification, salvation, grace, suffering, witness, and new life in Christ. |
The First Letter of John is a book of comfort and challenge. It comforts us with the reminder that we are children of God. It challenges us to make our faith genuine by expressing in our lives what we believe in our hearts. This four-session study explores four key texts in 1 John. |
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Paul’s letters to the early church in Corinth provide guidance—for persons new to faith as well as those growing in faith—about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. This eight-session study examines key texts from these letters. |
Amid the ordeals, tribulations, and plagues described in Revelation, God remains profoundly concerned with the plight of the world, always faithful, and at work to make all things new in Christ. This eight-session study explores key texts in Revelation. |
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Paul’s letter to the Galatians focuses on the heart of the gospel message and what it means to be freed from the law and freed to serve. Participants in this four-session study explore this rich letter through four big questions. |
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Connect a small or large group to Christian worship! Together in Faith studies are excellent for congregations that follow the Revised Common Lectionary, or for groups that prefer thematic studies. Resources for each Together in Faith study include a Leader Guide, Learner Guide, and Liturgy and Preaching Supports. The following Together in Faith studies are available:
Year A
The four Isaiah texts of this four-session study are read by people throughout the world during the season of Advent. With imagery such as the lion and lamb laying down together, the holy mountain of God, and streams in the desert, the words of Isaiah are woven together with great expectations of the life to come. Appropriate for year A, 1–4 Advent.
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Year C
This six-session Bible study explores the RCL readings from Revelation for year C, 2–7 Easter. In these texts we see not only the Jesus who was slain, but the Jesus who frees, cleanses, renews, enlightens, and comes again.
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This six-session study examines Jesus’ words, way of life, and the manner in which he loved, and delves deeper into what it means for heaven to come to earth. Discover how we are the change agents Jesus is calling forth to make the kingdom of heaven a reality on earth. Appropriate for year A, 3–8 Epiphany.
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This four-session Bible study explores the church as Christ’s body as described by Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians, with our work in the world as Christ’s body the central theme. The texts follow the RCL readings from year C, Lectionary 2–5.
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The First Letter of Peter explores the question, “How can one deal with such negativity without losing faith?” Those who would follow Jesus are born anew into a wonderful inheritance—they are God’s own people: trusted, called, made holy, and proclaiming. This five-session study is appropriate for year A, 2–6 Easter.
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This six-session Bible study explores the RCL readings from the Gospel of Luke for year C, Lectionary 10–15. These Gospel texts show Jesus having close encounters with people who feel separated from God and from others.
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Matthew’s account of the good news shows a Jesus who weaves profound new teachings from the threads of ordinary life experience. The readings in this seven-session study reveal Jesus’ formidable intelligence and political skill as he nimbly engages his adversaries. We see Jesus as a forward-thinking leader who takes care to equip people for the mission that one day will be theirs: making disciples throughout the world. Appropriate for year A, Lectionary 23–29.
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The book of Psalms contains 150 prayers, songs, liturgies, and poems that are divided into five smaller books, displaying the highs and lows of the life of faith. Over six sessions, this study asks six big questions from the text, challenging participants to explore faith thoughtfully together. Appropriate for year C, Lectionary 23–28. |
Year B
Keeping time according to the church year is a grace, not a requirement. The grace of Advent is best received in community. This four-session study, together with the liturgy and preaching supports, offers an opportunity to awaken to the gift of time provided by the celebration of Advent.
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This three-session study follows the Gospel readings from year B, Lectionary 11–13. This study can be used during any season as a thematic study of the Gospel of Mark.
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This six-session study follows the epistle readings from year B, Lectionary 15–21. This study can be used during any season as a thematic study of the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians.
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This three-session study follows the Old Testament readings from year B, Lectionary 23–25. God’s Standard or Gold Standard can be used during any season as a thematic study of Proverbs.
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Questions for Jesus can be used during any season as a thematic study of the Gospel of Mark. Connect your group to worship with Questions for Jesus, a study that follows Gospel readings from year B, Lectionary 27–32 over six sessions.
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Explore the faith journeys of some key people in the Bible and make connections between their stories and yours. People of Faith is a fun, light-hearted four-session study complete with cartoon drawings and group activities that will introduce your group to four different Bible characters. Great for those new to Bible study, or those looking for a fresh new introduction to the Bible.
People of Faith engages learners in a variety of learning experiences. Each session involves scripture reading, active learning, and discussion about a character’s story.
A Leader Guide, Learner Guide, and session preparation DVD can be purchased individually or as a Course Kit. The following People of Faith studies are available:
Groups look at the characters of Adam, Abraham, Sarah and Jacob; their stories are developed in chronological scenes, giving participants a sense of the sweep of the person’s story from start to finish. This is an excellent study to use with high school students, as well as adults.
Explore scenes from the lives of Rachel, Joseph, Moses, and Joshua in this four-session study. These scenes are in chronological order to give participants a sense of each person’s story from beginning to end.
Explore scenes from the lives of Ruth, Samuel, David, and Elijah in this four-session study. These scenes are in chronological order to give participants a sense of each person’s story from beginning to end.
Explore scenes from the lives of Gomer, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Job in this four-session study. These scenes are in chronological order to give participants a sense of each person’s story from beginning to end.
Book of Faith devotionals for the Advent and Lenten seasons offer opportunities to open Scripture and engage in conversations about the Bible with friends, family, or a small group.
Advent Reflections
Advent Reflections offers opportunities to open Scripture, look at it through different lenses, and join conversations with the Bible, with friends or family, with a small group, and ultimately, with God during the season of Advent.
Use the daily reflections on your own or with a friend or family member. Explore the weekly Bible studies in an existing group or form a group with others who are reading this book. Check out the activities and choose some hands-on ways to celebrate this Advent season.
Each day of Advent Reflections includes these features:
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Main citation
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Key verse
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Reflection
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Questions to ponder
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Prayer
God promises, “You shall have a song (Isa. 30:29), even when things look the most bleak and hopeless. This book explores four songs from the Bible: God’s New Song (Ps. 96), Song of Light (Isa. 42:1-9), Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55), and Servant Song (Phil. 2:5-11).
For many of us, Advent is a hectic time of trying to get things done in four short weeks. This book explores God’s ongoing work of renewing all things, particularly our stories, our days, our spirits, and our ways. Celebrate the gift of God’s work of renewal in us, through us, and in the world.
Hope, love, joy and peace—for many of us, these are the names of the four candles lit during Advent. But do these words mean anything to us and to the world today? Is hope still alive? Does love always find a way? What gives joy to the world? Will nations—and next-door neighbors—ever be at peace? Join the writers as they explore questions like these, and as they reflect on who God is and what God has done through Jesus.
Taking time to reflect on the meaning of the Advent season can help us forget some of the busy-ness and appreciate God’s presence each day. This devotional guides you in your Advent waiting.
Lenten Journey
These devotional resources offer opportunities to open Scripture and engage in conversations with the Bible and with friends, family, or a small group during the 40 days of Lent.
Each day of the journey includes these features:
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Key Bible passage
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Reflection
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Biblical wisdom
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Theological thoughts
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Silence for meditation
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Psalm fragment
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Questions to ponder
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Prayer for today
Free downloadable Worship Helps are available for congregations planning midweek worship around Lenten Journey themes. Follow the link to a book described below, then click on the “Worship Helps” tab.
Jesus asks questions throughout the Gospels, and these are not easy questions with easy answers. They are transformative questions that challenge us, reposition us, change us, and draw us into deeper faith and discipleship. This daily Lenten devotional is a guide to exploring questions from Jesus.
Water marks our natural lives—from our mothers’ wombs to our daily bathing and the quenching of our thirst. Water marks our sacramental lives in God as we die and rise with Christ in our baptism. And so it is with Scripture: from the first chapter of the Bible to the last, God’s Word is water marked.
Explore how God’s Word creates, calls, commands, saves, sustains, shapes, and sends you and the church. This 40-day Lenten journey into
Seven Wonders of the Word challenges you to experience the power of God’s Word in all aspects of your life and in our world, encouraging you to deepen your prayer life as you relate the power of God’s Word to your personal experience.
In Romans 12 the apostle Paul calls us to new life in Christ and identifies marks of the Christian life. The deep reflections and insightful questions in this devotional will help you explore how your life is “marked” by Christ, and consider how you live the marked life for the sake of the world.
Spend the Lenten season with this prayer that contains the heart and soul of Jesus’ teaching. The forty devotional readings included are structured around seven key petitions of the Lord’s Prayer.
Foundational resources are practical tools to engage your congregation in renewing its mission and ministry, grounded deeply in God's word. Includes tools that focus on developing basic Bible study skills among participants and leaders.
In a time of declining mainline Protestant church attendance, author Stephen Bouman reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still very much at work in our communities and in the world. God continues to make all things new, and calls us to join this mission of reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. Each chapter of this book contains Bible references and questions for individual and group reflection, study, and action.
This seven-session course introduces practical methods and approaches to studying Scripture, and then reinforces the basics of scriptural interpretation with four integrated studies that build biblical fluency. Important communication tools, study principles, and discussion methods are unpacked for participants in a flexible, conversational format that encourages discussion, conversation, and sharing—setting a healthy foundation for a powerful Book of Faith experience.
This three-session study explores how the Bible came to be our book of faith by providing an introduction to the creation, collection, and canonization of Scripture. Participants discover where the Bible came from, how it was put together, and what contribution the Reformation made toward scriptural literacy. With discussion-starting video clips and an easy-to-follow class plan, this course encourages participants to engage in reflection and discussion—and is an exciting way to invite participants to become part of the conversation.
Leading in Faith
The Foundational Training DVD features seven video sessions designed to help prepare small group leaders. Those new to leading and experienced leaders alike will find this training beneficial.
Whether you’re a seasoned Bible study leader, or just getting started, this DVD contains seven videos designed to help you better facilitate small group discussion.
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